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Staff outlines steps, budget needs for HUD-funded Putney Park project; environmental review required before construction
Summary
Dougherty County staff reported that the $685,000 congressional earmark for Putney Park is currently considered stable, but the project must complete federal prerequisites including an environmental review and procurement before construction; staff will prepare RFQ and project budget options for the board.
County staff on March 17 updated the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners on next steps for the Putney Park project, which carries a congressional earmark and HUD funding of $685,000.
Harriet Hollis (staff) said the county had been assigned a HUD project manager and that the HUD contact "said that the money looks stable right now," but stressed the project must complete required prerequisites because the funding is reimbursable. Hollis said the county must complete an environmental review, secure State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) clearance where required, and upload documentation to the HUD portal before any ground-breaking or construction can begin.
Hollis described steps already underway: a project team has been assembled including public works, facilities, finance, administration and Hollis; staff are preparing an RFQ for environmental services and expect to choose a vendor to complete the environmental review and associated documentation for state and federal review. She explained that a reimbursable HUD grant requires the county to expend funds up-front and later request reimbursement from HUD.
Commissioners asked about the board's role in procurement and budgeting. County staff said the RFQ and procurement process would be handled by staff but that the board would need to approve project budgets and any additional funds beyond the reimbursable amount; staff also said they would bring options to the recreation committee and the full board for consideration.
Commissioners also requested staff review whether any other federal grants the county receives might be at risk; staff agreed to research and report back. No new county funding for construction was approved at the meeting; staff said additional county funds would be required for construction and would be presented for board approval once options are developed.
Hollis offered to brief neighborhood organizations to explain the federal process and project timeline so residents understand the reimbursement and environmental review requirements.
The board did not take final action on construction funding at the March 17 meeting.
